Slidable knife block

ABSTRACT

A slidable utensil block. The slidable utensil block includes a chassis that is operably coupled to a mounting surface. A tray, which is moveable with respect to the chassis, may be transitioned between an open position and a closed position. The tray includes a block assembly, operably coupled thereto, which is configured to receive the one or more utensils. When the tray is in the open position, the one or more utensils are externally accessible; however, accessibility to the one or more utensils is limited when the tray is in the closed position.

Pursuant to 37 C.F.R. §1.78(a)(4), this application claims the benefitof and priority to prior filed co-pending Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/483,135, filed May 6, 2011, which is expressly incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to storage units for cutting instruments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Kitchen knives are an integral part of any kitchen environment, whetherit be residential or commercial. A variety of task specific knives, suchas chef, boning, bread, carving, paring, serrated, and others, areabundantly available. However, to provide rapid access to and protectusers from sharp blades, kitchen knives are typically stored in a knifeblock placed on a countertop.

The knife block is often a relatively massive piece of material with aplurality of slots, each dimensioned to envelop and protect a bladeportion of a particular sized different knife. Conventional knife blocksmay be formed by laminating wooden strips into a block assembly, wherebycertain strips are omitted to form each slot. Knife handles protrudefrom the block such that a knife can usually be recovered by graspingthe handle of one knife and pulling in a direction that is parallel tothe direction of the slot. In many models, a body of the block assemblyand/or the plurality of slots within the block assembly are angleddownwardly and rearwardly with respect to the countertop so that knivesare retained by their own weight within the knife block. Ideally, casualcontact with the knife block should not result in contact with a bladeedge and reduces the risk of injury.

The block assembly takes up significant countertop space, which isusually very valuable in a kitchen. When working with a variety of toolsand ingredients, any equipment that occupies countertop space caninterfere with efficient food preparation. Additionally, the lack ofsecuring features in a standard knife block, while allowing for easyaccess to the knives, makes it possible to accidentally remove knivesfrom the block. Because the knife handles generally protrude, it is easyto unintentionally hit and displace one or more knives or the knifeblock, which could un-sheath the blade and result in property damage orinjury. Such contact is made more likely where space constraintsnecessitate food preparation near the knife block. Additionally, greatcare must be taken to ensure that moisture or debris does not enter theslots of a knife block, since cleaning the narrow slots may bedifficult, if not impossible. Such contamination can result inunsanitary or rusty knives when stored in the block.

Thus, there remains a need for a knife block that overcomes the abovenoted disadvantages by securing knives in an efficient, yet productiveand safe, way, and conserving valuable countertop space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with principles of the present invention, a slidable knifeblock is provided to safely store knives while maintaining accessibilityand without consuming countertop workspace. While the invention will bedescribed in connection with certain embodiments, it will be understoodthat the invention is not limited to these embodiments. To the contrary,this invention includes all alternatives, modifications, and equivalentsas may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, a slidableutensil block includes a chassis that is operably coupled to a mountingsurface. A tray, which is moveable with respect to the chassis, may betransitioned between an open position and a closed position. The trayincludes a block assembly, operably coupled thereto, which is configuredto receive the one or more utensils. When the tray is in the openposition, the one or more utensils are externally accessible; however,accessibility to the one or more utensils is limited when the tray is inthe closed position.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method ofusing the slidable utensil block includes moving the tray, in a firstdirection, from the closed position to the open position. A utensil iswithdrawn from or inserted into the block assembly—this withdrawal orinsertion is unobstructed on at least one side of the tray. The tray ismoved from the open position to the closed position to limit access tothe one or more utensils.

These and other objectives and advantages of the present invention areset forth in the following detailed description of the drawings inwhich:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the presentinvention and, together with a general description of the inventiongiven above, and the detailed description of the embodiments givenbelow, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a slidable knife block according to oneembodiment of the present invention, shown in an open position.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the slidable knife block of FIG. 1A,shown in a closed position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a chassis suitable for use with theslidable knife block of FIG. 1A and in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tray suitable for use with theslidable knife block of FIG. 1A and in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A slidable knife block apparatus is disclosed in accordance with variousembodiments of the present invention. However, one skilled in therelevant art will recognize that the various embodiments may bepracticed without one or more of the specific details, or withalternative methods, materials, or components. Well-known structures,materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoidobscuring aspects of various embodiments of the invention.

Similarly, and for purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials,and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. Nevertheless, the presentinvention may be practiced with alternative specific details.Furthermore, the various embodiments of the present invention shown inthe figures are illustrative representations and are not necessarilydrawn to scale.

References throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” or “certain embodiments” or variations thereof means that aparticular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described inconnection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment ofthe present invention, but does not denote that the particular featurepresent in every embodiment. Thus, the appearances of phrases such as“in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” or “in certain embodiments” invarious places throughout this specification are not necessarilyreferring to the same embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore,the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics maybe combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Nonetheless, it should be appreciated that, features which,notwithstanding the inventive nature of the general concepts beingexplained, are also of an inventive nature.

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1A and 1B, aslidable knife block in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention is shown. The slidable knife block 10 is comprised of achassis 12 slidably coupled to a tray 14.

The chassis 12 may be under-mounted to a cabinet or other mountingsurface 25 to conserve available workspace on countertops, workbenches,and the like. This storage configuration is also advantageous overconventional surface-placed knife blocks, which are prone to inadvertentcontact when positioned on cluttered surfaces. Moreover, theunder-surface storage configuration provides the additional benefit offixably mounting the entire slidable knife block 10 to an immovablesubstrate, which eliminates the dangerous possibility of knocking overthe knife block 10.

FIG. 2 depicts the details of the chassis 12, which includes a shell 18configured to surround the tray 14 and to facilitate under-mounting ofthe slidable knife block 10. The shell 18, as shown, comprises a bottomwall 20 and at least one sidewall 22 extending upwardly from the bottomwall 20 (two sidewalls 22 are shown). The sidewalls 22 terminate at apair of mounting flanges 24, which are generally parallel to the bottomwall 20.

The shell 18 may be stamped from a single piece of metal, but mayalternately be assembled from individual segments. Moreover, whilestainless steel construction is conventionally-used in a commercialenvironment, other materials may be used, including, for example,ferrous and non-ferrous metals, plastics, fiberglass, and othersufficiently rigid materials.

The mounting flanges 24 may include mounting holes 26 configured tosecure the slidable knife block 10 to the underside of the mountingsurface 25 (FIG. 1A), for example, using mechanical fasteners (woodscrews, machine screws, rivets, and so forth). To facilitate access tothe drive-heads of mechanical fasteners, access holes 28 may be providedon the bottom wall 20 and in vertical alignment with the mounting holes26. By doing so, a straight-shaft driver (not shown) or similar tool mayextend through the access hole 28 to engage the mechanical fastener,which is received by the respective mounting hole 26. Accordinglyinstallation of the chassis 12 does not necessitate the use of an offsetor right angle driver. The mounting holes 26 may be of the keyhole type,elliptical or cross shaped, or any other geometric shape thatfacilitates rapid installation or tolerance for imprecisely positionedmounting fasteners. In other embodiments, the mounting holes 26 may beomitted, and the mounting flanges 24 alternatively welded to themounting surface 25 (FIG. 1A), as is often desirable in the case ofstainless steel commercial equipment, or by other joining process knownby the skilled artisan.

One or more rail assemblies 30, each operably-coupled to both thechassis 12 and the tray 14 (FIG. 1A), are operable such that the tray 14(FIG. 1A) may slide with respect to the stationary chassis 12 that iscoupled to the mounting surface 25, e.g., stationary. Each rail assembly30 includes a track 30 a and a slide 30 b, wherein the track 30 a isfixedly-mounted to an interior side of the bottom wall 20 of the chassis12, and the slide 30 b is fixedly mounted to an underside of the tray 14(FIG. 1A). The tracks 30 a allow the tray 14 (FIG. 1A) to slide betweena closed position (shown in FIG. 1B), in which the tray 14 (FIG. 1A) issubsumed by the chassis 12, and an open position (FIG. 1A), in which thetray 14 (FIG. 1A) extends outwardly from the chassis 12.

With reference to FIGS. 1A and 2, and while in the open position, thetray 14 may extend, at least partially, forwardly of a front edge 32 ofthe chassis 12. In this way, the tray 14 is configured to safely storecomponents (shown herein as one or more knives 33) while in the closedposition and to provide user access to the components while in the openposition.

In one embodiment of the present invention, full-extension under cabinettype ball bearing drawer slides may be used as the rail assembly andwould include an additional track segment (not shown) interspersedbetween the track 30 a and the slide 30 b. In this way the tray 14 mayslide completely forward of a front edge 32 of the chassis 12 such thatthe tray 14 is fully exposed external to the chassis 12. One of ordinaryskill in the art would appreciate that other types of rail assembliesmay be alternatively used and include, for example, linear bearings,interlocking dovetails, metallic rails with nylon inserts, etc. Althoughnot shown, rail assemblies in accordance with other embodiments of thepresent invention may include a detent configured to positively retainthe tray 14 in one or both of the open or closed positions. Additionalforce or activation of a mechanically- or electrically-controlledmechanism may be required to release the tray 14 from either or bothdetent positions. Accordingly, unintentional movement of the tray 14during seismic events, motion of mobile kitchens and food servicetrucks, or other dynamic operating conditions may be reduced oreliminated. The mechanism may additionally or alternatively be designedto reduce or otherwise deter theft of contents within the tray 14 orprovide child resistance. Still other embodiments of the presentinvention may include a dampener system to prevent rapid acceleration ordeceleration when initiating or stopping movement of the tray 14. Suchdampeners may be configured to reduce rattling or jarring of thecontents when the tray 14 is moved between the open and closedpositions. In still other embodiments of the present invention, the railassemblies may include a spring bias, in either or both of the open orclosed positions, to facilitate enhanced retention or rapid access tothe contents of the tray 14.

Although not shown, in other embodiments of the present invention, thechassis 12 may include a rear panel configured to close a void enclosedby a rear edge 34 of the bottom wall 20, the sidewalls 22, and themounting flanges 24 of the chassis 12 with the mounting surface 25.

With reference now to FIG. 3, the tray 14 is shown in greater detail andin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The tray 14may include a horizontal platform 36 and a face 38 extending generallyupwardly from the platform 36. Accordingly, and when the tray 14 is inthe closed position (as shown in FIG. 1A), the face 38 may be positionedproximal to the front edge 32 of the chassis 12, in vertically alignmentwith a extending front face 39 of the cabinet or other structureproviding the mounting surface 25.

While the tray 14 may be configured to support various components, thetray 14 shown in FIG. 3 is configured to support, organize, and protectcutlery or other sharp-edged utensils within a block assembly 41. Theblock assembly 41 includes a plurality of modules 40, each fabricated asa sub assembly and extending upwardly from the platform 36. Each module40 may have one or more minor slots 42 dimensioned to receive a sharpedge of the utensil, such as the blade 17 (FIG. 1A) of a knife 33. Theminor slots 42 may vary in width and/or depth, but generally do notextend the full depth of the module 40.

Adjacent ones of the modules 40 are space apart to form major slots 44,the dimensions of which being a function of the module height and thespacing. Minor slots 42 and major slots 44 are configured to besubstantially parallel to each other, perpendicular to the platform 36,and upwardly facing such that during operation the slots 42, 44 aregenerally open.

Varying the dimensions of the major and minor slots 42, 44 allows thetray 14 to accommodate knives 33 of various sizes and shapes, forexample, from a small blade paring knife to a large blade meat cleaveror a long chef's knife. Therefore, the modules 40 may have a fixedrelative relation or may be moveable with respect to one another, whichallows the user to customize the block assembly 41 for the desired use.

The modules 40 of the block assembly 41 may be constructed individuallyor as a unitary structure from a single piece of stock. The materialsmay include wood, plastic, or other that is compatible with storage ofknives 33. When the block assembly 41 is constructed as a unitarystructure, the slots 42, 44 may be formed by removing material from thesingle piece of stock, or otherwise extruded or cast to provide thedesired shape.

One or more straps 46 may extend across the modules 40, passingsubstantially perpendicularly to a direction of the slots 42, 44. Thestraps 46 may be constructed from leather, plastic, elastic, or othersuitable material that is compatible with the components (i.e., knives33) stored within the tray 14. Straps 46 may be secured to the blockassembly 41 with one or more mechanical fasteners 47, which may besimilar to those described previously with respect to the mounting holes26 (FIG. 2). In use, the straps 46 may provide a flexible retainer forblades 17 placed within an appropriately sized or selected slot 42, 44.Alternatively, and when a blade 17 which is too large to fit within theconfines of a major slot 44, the knife 33 may be stowed by sliding theblade 17 of the knife between the strap 46 and the block assembly 41such that the blade 17 is in an orientation substantially parallel tothe platform 36.

For additional retention and safety, a knife 33 may be placed within aslot 42, 44 having a dimension that is slightly less than the width ofthe blade 17 of the knife 33. As a result of this contact, frictionalforces between the strap 46 and a spine of the blade 17, and thus alevel of retention, may be increased or decreased. As one of ordinaryskill in the arts will recognize, the retainer by also be a magnet,clamp or other frictional element.

Although not shown, slots 42, 44 may be closed, for example, with acover in place of the strap 46 as shown.

The relative length of the modules 40 with respect to the platform 36may be selected so as to accommodate handles 31 of the knives 33. Forinstance, a handle support surface 48 spanning between the face 38 ofthe tray 14, ends of the platform 36, and the modules 40 may beconfigured and appropriately dimensioned to support the handles 31 andsuch that the handles 31 do not interfere with movement of the tray 14between the open and closed positions. Desirably, the configuration ofthe handle support surface 48 causes a user to withdraw a selected knife33 by drawing the handle 31 toward an accessible, generally unobstructedside 16 of the tray 14 and in a direction that is perpendicular tomovement of the tray 14. Therefore, and unlike known, conventional knifeblocks, the user does not withdraw the selected knife from the knifeblock in toward the user's body that, when the user's hands are wet,oily, or greasy, may result in loss of control of the blade 17 while themomentum of the withdrawal causes the blade 17 to continue, dangerously,toward the user. Conversely, withdrawal of knives 33 from theillustrative slidable knife block 10 is in a direction that is angledaway from the user.

Although not specifically illustrated herein, the block assembly may befurther configured to provide suitable space, slots, and/or openings forreceiving utensil other than kitchen knives. For example, scissors, meatforks, meat thermometers, knife sharpener, and so forth. Still otherblock assemblies may be constructed to receive woodworking tools, craftsupplies, or other, non-kitchen related tools.

As provided in detail herein, a slidable knife block configured toorganize and protect cutlery or other sharp-edged utensils includes aclosed position in which the utensils are enveloped by a chassis and auser is protected from inadvertently contact with the utensil oraccidentally dislodging of the utensil from storage. The slidable knifeblock also has an open position configured to display the utensils andprovide accessibility to the same while providing for safe withdrawal ofthe utensil.

While the present invention has been illustrated by a description ofvarious embodiments, and while these embodiments have been described insome detail, they are not intended to restrict or in any way limit thescope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages andmodifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Thevarious features of the invention may be used alone or in anycombination depending on the needs and preferences of the user. This hasbeen a description of the present invention, along with methods ofpracticing the present invention as currently known. However, theinvention itself should only be defined by the appended claims.

1. A slidable utensil block comprising: a chassis operably coupled to amounting surface; a tray configured to move relative to the chassisbetween an open position and a closed position; and a block assemblyoperably coupled to the tray and configured to receive the one or moreutensils, wherein the one or more utensils received within the blockassembly are accessible external to the tray when the tray is in theopen position and access to the one or more utensils received within theblock assembly is limited when the tray is in the closed position. 2.The slidable knife block of claim 1, further comprising: at least onedetent mechanism operably associated with at least one of the open andclosed positions, wherein the at least one detent mechanism isconfigured to prevent inadvertent movement of the tray.
 3. The slidableutensil block of claim 1, wherein the chassis includes at least onesidewall and is configured to be mounted such that the chassis dependsfrom the mounting surface.
 4. The slidable utensil block of claim 1,wherein accessibility to the one or more utensils received within theblock assembly is unobstructed on at least one side of the tray when thetray is in the open position.
 5. The slidable utensil block of claim 1,wherein the block assembly includes a plurality of slots, each slot ofthe plurality being configured to receive at least one of the one ormore utensils.
 6. The slidable utensil block of claim 5, wherein theplurality of slots extends in a direction that is generally transverseto a sliding direction of the tray with respect to the chassis.
 7. Theslidable utensil block of claim 6, wherein the block assembly furthercomprises a plurality of modules, wherein spacing between adjacent onesof the plurality of modules form the plurality of slots.
 8. The slidableutensil block of claim 7, wherein the spacing between adjacent ones ofthe plurality of modules is adjustable.
 9. The slidable utensil block ofclaim 5, further comprising: at least one retainer configured to resistvertical movement of a utensil from the block assembly.
 10. The slidableutensil block of claim 9, wherein the retainer is a strap extendingacross the block assembly in a direction that is generally perpendicularto a direction of the plurality of slots.
 11. A method of using aslidable utensil block comprising a chassis operably coupled to amounting surface, a tray configured to support one or more utensils andto move relative to the chassis, and a block assembly operably coupledto the tray and configured to receive one or more utensils, the methodcomprising: moving the tray, relative to the chassis, in a firstdirection from a closed position to an open position; performing atleast one of withdrawing a utensil from the block assembly and insertinga utensil into the block assembly, wherein withdrawing and inserting theutensil is unobstructed on at least one side of the tray; and moving thetray from the open position to the closed position to limit access tothe one or more utensils.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein moving thetray includes overcoming and passing a detent mechanism, the detentmechanism configured to prevent inadvertent movement of the tray. 13.The method of claim 11, wherein the chassis includes at least onesidewall and is configured to be mounted such that the chassis dependsfrom the mounting surface.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the blockassembly includes a plurality of slots, each slot of the plurality beingconfigured to receive at least one of the one or more utensils.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the plurality of slots extends in adirection that is generally transverse to a sliding direction of thetray with respect to the chassis.
 16. The method of claim 15, whereinthe block assembly further comprises a plurality of modules, whereinspacing between adjacent ones of the plurality of modules form theplurality of slots.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the spacingbetween adjacent ones of the plurality of modules is adjustable.
 18. Themethod of claim 14, further comprising: at least one retainer configuredto resist vertical movement of a utensil from the block assembly. 19.The method of claim 18, wherein the retainer is a strap extending acrossthe block assembly in a direction that is generally perpendicular to adirection of the plurality of slots.